The NBA icon donates $5 million to the 19th Smithsonian museum which will be opened by President Barack Obama in September.
- Aug 10, 2016
AceShowbiz - Michael Jordan continues to give back to the community. After giving $1 million each to the Institute for Community-Police Relations and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the NBA legend now donates $5 million to the Smithsonian's new African-American history museum on the National Mall.
The basketball icon also donated a jersey he wore during the 1996 NBA Finals to add to the museum's collection. In recognition of the gifts, the museum will name a section of its sports gallery the Michael Jordan Hall.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to support this museum," Jordan said. "I also am indebted to the historic contributions of community leaders and athletes such as Jesse Owens, whose talent, commitment and perseverance broke racial barriers and laid the groundwork for the successful careers of so many African Americans in athletics and beyond."
The museum will be opened by President Barack Obama on September 24. The museum has raised $548 million including $278 million from private donors. Aside from Michael Jordan, other athletes spotlighted in the museum include tennis player Althea Gibson and track-and-field great Jesse Owens.
